Rob Hughes Turkey Drive. Image courtesy: Wausau School District
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — Mr. Hughes’ annual turkey drive fundraiser is nearing its 2025 goal.
Rob Hughes, a Special Ed teacher at NTC Alternative High School,
Hughes works with Festival Foods to purchase turkeys and hams in bulk, then distributes them to schools and community organizations.
“This turkey drive has really opened my eyes to how caring this community is. When you have a need and ask for help, there are people who will help you.”
When talking about why he started the turkey drive he mentions his upbringing, and how he’s able to help those who were in a similar situation to him growing up.
” One year strangers came to our house, and they dropped off Christmas presents and food, and at the time I didn’t appreciate, or understand it, but without them we wouldn’t have the holiday.”
So far, he has raised more than $20,000, leaving him about $3,000 short of his goal. Hughes has this to say,
” A bird in a hand is worth two in a bush. We’re waiting for 2 checks to come in, so right now, once those come in, once I have them we’re going to make the goal, so I’m not worried about that at all,”
Hughes also says that he only needs small increments when people ask to donate.
“When people ask if they can donate I usually ask for five or ten dollars, because we’re going to make the goal, and I think people like to be apart of something bigger, and to know they’re making a difference in the community, and I don’t want to turn them down, but also I know we’re going to make the goal, which is awesome.”
It’s the 9th year of the effort, which has distributed more than 5,500 turkeys and hams to those in need.
Those who would like to donate can send a check to Wausau Area Food for Hope, in care of Wausau East High School, 2607 North 18th Street, Wausau, WI 54474. Funds can also be transferred digitally through Venmo (@wausauareafoodforhope) and PayPal (@wausauareafood4hope). All donations stay local.
Turkeys and hams will be distributed to families in need in Wausau, Mosinee, Edgar, and D.C. Everest school districts.
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